Faye Schiess

Mary Faye Pitcher Schiess was born in Smithfield, Utah, on June 8, 1937, to Ronald Nelson Pitcher and Mary Geraldine Fulkerson Pitcher. She was the middle child, with an older sister, Geraldine, and a younger sister, Jenness. She loved her sisters very much. She lived a life defined by devotion to her family, her faith, her friends, and her community. She touched countless lives in her 88 years on earth.

Faye grew up on a farm in Smithfield. She loved helping her dad with farm chores and her mom in the kitchen and around the home. She was always feeding the animals that came to the back door. She was a kind soul, a peacemaker, and a friend to all. To know Faye was to love her.

She met the love of her life, Donald Jay Schiess, at Smithfield Junior High. Don was the student body president, and she was the secretary. At North Cache High School, they were the Homecoming King and Queen. They were married on August 23, 1958, beginning a beautiful partnership that spanned decades. Throughout their lives, Don and Faye shared a profound love of music-often performing together, with Faye at the piano and Don on the guitar. She served faithfully in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in many capacities, blessing others with her testimony of Jesus Christ and her musical abilities. Don and Faye served a mission for the Church in Nauvoo, Illinois.

Faye spent more than 50 years as a dedicated piano teacher, teaching hundreds of students and filling her home with music. She raised her family in Rexburg, Idaho. During those years, she was a constant support to Don as he coached and taught at Ricks College. Together, they supported their children in every activity they pursued and formed many cherished friendships during their time in Rexburg.

Later, they moved to LaBelle, Idaho, and then to Heber City, Utah. No matter where she lived, her home was a place of welcome; she had a rare gift for showing genuine love to every person who walked through her door. To Faye, no one was a stranger, and her kindness left a lasting impact on generations of students and friends. She loved homemaking and gardening and was known for her beautiful flowers, canned peaches, homemade raspberry jam, and peanut butter bars. Of all the things Faye loved in this life, nothing was dearer than her husband and children; she deeply understood family to be eternal.

Faye passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on February 9, 2026, in Provo, Utah, at Utah Valley Hospital after a brief illness. She will be greatly missed. She is survived by her beloved husband, Donald Schiess, and their children and spouses: Mike (Karen) Schiess, David (Anne) Schiess, Teresa Bodily, Rod (Lisa) Schiess, Kathryn (Jerry) North, and Kevin (Lindsay) Schiess. Faye's spirit will continue through her 34 grandchildren and 50 great-grandchildren, all of whom she treasured as her greatest blessings.

Faye was preceded in death by her son, Gary Schiess; her grandson, JD Schiess; and her parents and sisters. A tender note: Faye passed on the same date as her beloved son Gary, who passed away 19 years earlier-a quiet reminder of the enduring bond between mother and son.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 14, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 600 East 120 South in Smithfield, Utah. A viewing will be held on Friday, February 13, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at the church, and again on Saturday, February 14, from 9:30–10:30 a.m. prior to the services. Interment will be at the Smithfield City Cemetery.